FCC Publishes 5G Notice, FNPRM, With Little Change

The FCC posted a public notice on 28 and 24 GHz auctions in docket 18-85 and in 14-177 a Further NPRM proposing a new approach on the 39 GHz band. Both were approved by commissioners 4-0 Thursday (see 1808020025). The only major change from drafts is the FCC now proposes to allow incumbents in the 39 GHz band to use vouchers to acquire new spectrum rights in any of the bands being auctioned. “Our goal is to facilitate the reconfiguration of existing 39 GHz spectrum holdings -- currently licensed in small spectrum block sizes and mismatched geographic areas -- into more contiguous swathes of spectrum that are conducive to wireless broadband deployment, including 5G services,” the FNPM said. “The reconfiguration of incumbent 39 GHz holdings would protect and enhance incumbents’ existing spectrum usage rights, and would increase opportunities for the Commission to offer new licenses for contiguous spectrum blocks at auction.”